FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Local, county and state officials gathered Sunday at the township’s municipal complex to commemorate veterans and honor those currently serving.

The Veterans Day ceremony remembered those who were killed in combat defending the United States, as well as current veterans who served in all branches of the armed forces.

Deputy Mayor David Salkin tried to compare what residents were going through after Hurricane Sandy to serving on a combat tour.

“You were without power. That meant you were cold, in the dark, cut off from most communications, worried, stressed and wondering when help was going to arrive. Food was even starting to become an issue. Those feelings may have lasted for entire week. Now try and imagine those feelings stretched out to an entire year, or two years, or four years. Now add to that an enemy force trying its very best to kill you and everyone around you. Welcome to understanding what it means to have served on a combat tour,” he said.

Silver Star recipient Ray Tweten, who is retired from the United States Marine Corps, told a story from 2008 of two Marines who followed orders and stood their ground to protect others. They were ultimately killed in the line of duty.

Mayor Anthony Ammiano said Veterans Day has a special meaning for him. His father Frank Ammiano, who received a purple heart, was injured while serving in the Army and was originally thought to have been killed.

After a Mustang flyover, the changing of colors by members of the Marine Corps League and two speakers, the township committee laid a wreath to honor soldiers.

Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom Garrett reminded today’s youth to ask questions of veterans and carry on their history.

Reiterating Garrett’s words, Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R-Monmouth) said she fears young people aren’t learning to appreciate those who have made a sacrifice to keep Americans safe.

Freeholder Director John Curley said he was honored to be among all of the veterans who attended the ceremony.

“All these individuals did their part to maintain our freedoms, our liberties, to make sure the red, white and blue remains flying,” Curley said. “Our freedoms didn’t just evolve, our freedoms had to be fought for.”